For the “heads up” on kids’ hair accessories to wear this summer, check out these headbands made by twisting colorful threads with Kreinik’s Custom Corder. Combine any colors you like and twist, knot and glue your way to a new headband wardrobe.

Gather the following:

• Metallic thread by Kreinik, in a variety of colors – one spool each in 2 or 3 different colors. (You’ll have trouble deciding which to choose there are so many great colors.) Stick with the following thicknesses: #16 Medium Braid, #32 Heavy Braid, 1/16” Ribbon, 1/8” Ribbon or Facets. 
• Custom Corder by Kreinik.
• Tape measure
• White glue that dries clear.
• Elastic cord or braid

Read over the instructions that come with the Custom Corder. Use the Corder to twist the threads together into a “ply”. (Each part of a twisted cord is called a ply.) You’ll be making 2-ply cord.

Measure out the cord three times the length you want. For headbands, cut 3 or more threads about 60” long. Knot threads together at each end. If you want a certain color to stand out, cut 2 lengths of that thread. Experiment! Sometimes the cords turn out differently than you expect, and they’re always fun to see.

Loop one knotted end around a door or drawer knob and hook the other end around on the Custom Corder.  Stand back so the threads are pulled tightly. To twist the threads, turn the handle of the Custom Corder until they start to kink, or twist back on themselves. Hang the weight in the middle of the cord. Step in closer to loosen the twisted cord and the weight will cause the threads to double up and twist on themselves. This is the fun part. Once you’re happy with the cord lift the far end off the knob and knot ends together.

Measure around your head where the headband will go and write the measurement here: ___________.  Subtract 2” from this amount to find the cord length you’ll need: ________. Adjust your knot or tie a new knot to equal the finished cord length. Trim off the extra threads. Glue each end to keep the knot from coming apart.  

Cut elastic cord 8” - 9” long. Poke the ends between the plies at each end and loosely tie the elastic ends together. Try the headband on to feel the fit. Once it feels comfortable, tie the elastic ends around the middle securely and knot neatly. Trim ends.

If you want, make two cords to match – one for the headband and one to tie around the headband for a sweet bow. Knot off bow ends tightly and trim threads. Let the bow ends fray and frizz as you like.

© Copyright 2004 Kreinik and eXpresSew®.

For products by Kreinik Manufacturing, visit www.kreinik.com or call the Customer Hotline at 1-800-537-2166. For more free projects by eXpresSew®, visit www.expressew.com .

For more embellishing ideas, check out Instant Paper Treasures